Silvestre’s Stolen Car Ring Busted in NYC & NJ

New York – In a major breakthrough, Attorney General Letitia James and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the dismantling of a stolen vehicle ring operating across New York City and New Jersey. The operation, which spanned over a year, resulted in the recovery of more than 40 stolen cars worth over $1 million. Five individuals were charged with selling stolen vehicles.

Attorney General James emphasized the impact of such crimes on families, saying, “A stolen car can completely upend a family’s life.” The investigation targeted Jonathan Mercedes Silvestre, who was identified as the broker for the sale of stolen motor vehicles. Other key figures include Raulin Rodriguez, Jender Santos-Ulloa, Josue Dejesus Gonzalez, Juan Tavarez Cabrera, and Silvestre himself.

The ring operated by acquiring stolen vehicles from various locations in New Jersey and New York State before selling them to a network of customers. The investigation utilized physical surveillance, wiretaps, and electronic evidence analysis to dismantle the operation.

Among the recovered vehicles were 19 Honda CRVs, six Lexus IS 350s, five Toyota Highlanders, four Honda Accords, three Acura TLXs, two Lexus IS 500s, and one Honda Civic. The defendants face charges of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree, and other theft-related offenses, with a potential sentence of up to 15 years for each charge.

Attorney General James has been relentless in her pursuit of motor vehicle thefts, previously securing $9 million from Hyundai and Kia. The successful takedown of Silvestre’s stolen car ring is another testament to the effectiveness of joint law enforcement efforts.